Staff Reporter: Tariqul Islam, a 40-year-old chief organiser of NCP's Parbatipur Upazila unit and trainee lawyer, was detained by army personnel on Thursday night following allegations of extorting money from scrap-laden trucks.
Security forces intervened after a group of individuals allegedly stopped two vehicles carrying legally purchased scrap iron and demanded payment on Parbatipur-Madhyapara road. Army-run Sena Kalyan Sangstha had lawfully acquired scrap iron from Barapukuria Coal Mine through proper tender procedures. Around 6 PM, two trucks departed from the mine bound for Dhaka when a group of people intercepted them shortly after departure. Several individuals climbed onto vehicles, held drivers hostage, and demanded money from the transporters. Acting on intelligence, a joint force comprising army and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) personnel arrived at the scene, rescued both trucks, and detained Tariqul Islam, son of late Mahmudul Sarkar from West Rajabashor village. Other group members managed to escape before authorities arrived.
Md. Ariful Islam, Sena Kalyan Sangstha representative and labour foreman, revealed they had anticipated potential interference and informed authorities beforehand. "A group of 50-60 people blocked the road and demanded tolls despite the cargo being legally purchased," he told Samakal. "When we refused, they attempted to divert the trucks by force."
However, Suruja Ahmed, an anti-discrimination activist from Bhabanipur, claimed they stopped trucks suspecting illegal scrap movement. "When government agents chased us away, we called Tariqul Islam to the scene. But army arrested him without listening to us," Ahmed stated. "If he's not released, we'll launch a protest." Md. Zafar Sadiq, General Manager (Operations) of Barapukuria Coal Mine, confirmed scrap was sold through legal tender process with all relevant departments properly informed. This verification supports claims that transportation was entirely legitimate.
Abdullah-Al-Mamun, Officer-in-Charge of Parbatipur Model Police Station, confirmed a case has been filed by Ariful Islam naming 16 individuals. Police efforts are ongoing to apprehend remaining suspects involved in the alleged extortion attempt.
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